A scholarship foundation for people seeking recovery through sober living.

Curran — A Beautiful Boy Taken From Us Too Soon

Curran was a beautiful boy with a dazzling smile, an infectious laugh, and a remarkable capacity to love deeply. He sought peace and calmness while never quite finding it. At an early age, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit by starting his own neighborhood lawn mowing business that tapped into his natural skills to manicure a lawn (with an occasional holiday) and connect with people. A quick minded and natural salesman – he could ‘sell’ you on an idea before you even realized what he had done. He put those skills to use in retail jobs selling technology at Best Buy and Staples and while waiting tables at various restaurants. Most recently he worked at The Cheesecake Factory in Natick where he found comradery and friendship.

Curran had many natural talents – swimming, karate, running, public speaking, and was a gifted drummer who spent hours honing his skills. He loved sushi, cooking, sunsets, beaches, and traveling with his family. He had a deep affection for his pets throughout his life, especially his cats. He also had a passion for flashy sneakers and a fresh haircut. And if you spent any time with Curran, you learned that he sneezed whenever he moved from shade into sunshine. It was an endearing trait that he found annoying, and one that is shared by his baby daughter, Maelynn Rose Tierney. He also was terrified of bees … if he saw one … he would take off running.

He could connect with people quickly and easily, often sensing something in others that most would overlook. He frequently offered a generous helping hand or kind words that left positive impacts on the people he met. As part of the Addiction Recovery community, he often encouraged others into treatment and offered support. His dream upon reaching long term recovery was to study social work and become a recovery coach and outreach coordinator. He truly wanted to help others recover and overcome their addiction. Unfortunately, he is not able to achieve that goal, but through Curran’s Calling, we can help his dream become a reality.

Testimony About Curran

I have met many men at Teen Challenge over the past 12 years, but few have made the kind of impact and impression that Curran has had on me. And that is not just me, it was everyone that he met. Not many Residents had the opportunity to share their testimony with the CEO of New England and New Jersey, but Curran did, and after that meeting, the CEO called me to tell me just how special Curran is. I will always remember how he would go out of his way to find me and approach me just to say hello and brighten my day. At first, this would take me by surprise because most people only go out of their way when they have a question or a request, but Curran never wanted anything other than to say hello and see how I was doing. Curran will be missed but he will always be remembered for the kind, gentle, and thoughtful person that he was when he was here with us.
Joe Rand, Sr. Director, Adult & Teen Challenge Massachusetts and Greater Boston

Curran was such an amazing friend and person - and losing him was one of the hardest things I’ve been through. Curran was smart, funny, kind, caring, generous and helped me so much by giving me a place to stay when I had nowhere to go. We went to middle school together and I’ll always remember the fun times we had. I’ll also always remember his smile because he could light up a room. Curran’s death affected me in so many ways but is also a reason why I stay sober and why I’ve started helping others in recovery and why I’m gong back to school to become a substance abuse counselor. I miss him every day, but his memory will always be with me and with so many others. I miss you, Curran! One day at a time!
Katie J. FRIEND AND SURVIVOR BECAUSE OF CURRAN

I did not know Curran for a long time, but he made a big impression. Curran was like that … if he was serious, he was very focused. Whether he was learning or playing, happy or frustrated, he was always intense and passionate. Curran was a bright guy with a big heart who really cared about others. It was a great joy to see him do well and I still have a picture that I took with him and Pastor Chris at Graduation Chapel. We were all in our suits and he had his beaming smile. I was glad to hear that he became a dad. I never met the baby but saw pictures. And I knew that, as he did with everything, he would commit himself fully to being a dad. I am happy he got to experience the joy of parenthood, even for a brief time.

We will all miss the laughter and fun that he brought with him. His battle is over, and he is at peace now. Curran, rest easy my friend. We love you.

And you were so easy to love.
Brian Dube, Lead Pastor, Christian Fellowship Center, New Bedford, MA

My name is Joe. My friends and I had the honor of having Curran as our waiter while visiting Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner one night. His vibe was infectious, and he was someone we all knew we had to keep in touch with. It’s always been rough for me to maintain connections and I wish I had an idea of his passing earlier on than I remembered. It’s people who are like Curran who make me happy and hopeful in this lifetime that we can make a change and a difference. I thought I’d reach out and share the positive memory I had of Curran. I look forward to hearing from you guys soon.
JOE P., ONE OF MANY PEOPLE CURRAN TOUCHED DURING HIS SHORT TIME WITH US